Pilates

dylbert

What are peoples thoughts on pilates, friend of mine wants me to try it out, would it be of any benefit to olympic lifting?

mushykeogh

I would say no, Pilates = slow, controlled postural positions with little or no external disruption, Olympic lifting = fast, explosive dynamic, huge external loads placed on getting your body and then holding it in the correct position, in super duper speed.

Potential can of worms, im sure people will go on about core control and all that mullarky in Pilates, but for me, no.

dylbert

I'll give it a miss so, can't go messing up my snatch, not that it's anything special

mushykeogh

dylbert wrote: »

I'll give it a miss so, can't go messing up my snatch, not that it's anything special

Dont think it would hinder it, can't see it being of any benefit either though!

Nobody likes a messy snatch. :eek:

WHIP IT!

While we're on the subject, what are the main benefits of Pilates and in what way does it complement other forms of exercies - ie, weight training, cardio work, football/sports training etc?

Thanks

The Guvnor

I did modified pilates and found it great.

Just think of it IMO as stretching and some core work neither of which are a negative imo.

Now the pilates on the machines looks interesting and a bit more challenging but as I said it helps with flexibility which can only be good.

mushykeogh

WHIP IT! wrote: »

While we're on the subject, what are the main benefits of Pilates and in what way does it complement other forms of exercies - ie, weight training, cardio work, football/sports training etc?

Thanks

It has some pluses, for many people it will improve there trunk strength, upperbody strength and the likes of hip abductors. However, i would justify that by saying that it is usually of benefit to people who probably dont have an adequate training program.

Some flexibility gains can be made with some of the execises but i felt that some of the movements were counter productive, alot of them place your hip flexors in a shortened position and i find a lot of the movements are very hip flexor dominant.

Some other stuff i didnt agree with is the whole idea of '"flattening the lumbar spine", i dont get why we would want to practice mobility and repeated flexion of that region.
It does however get women doing press ups which can only be a good thing!
I have some issues with it but it can certainly be an effective of getting in shape, especially if your starting from scratch.

In terms of sporting performance, i think it is only of benefit if your programme does not have any mobility, flexibility, core and prehabby type stuff in it, i.e. its a ****e programme that doesnt look after your needs! And as i said earlier alot of the core work is quite slow and controlled and isnt really working against any external disruption or resistance which i dont think is of much benefit to the sporting arena.
Just my opinion of course.

WHIP IT!

I have a kind of recurring hip problem... I lift weights here n there, do cardio and play footy... if not pilates, what kind of exercises are good to help 'look after' the hip as I get (unfortunately) older?

mushykeogh

WHIP IT! wrote: »

I have a kind of recurring hip problem... I lift weights here n there, do cardio and play footy... if not pilates, what kind of exercises are good to help 'look after' the hip as I get (unfortunately) older?

That depends on what type of recurring hip problem!

padgo

Core strength is vital for any exercise. Our core acts like a scaffolding for our bodies. I have a l5 disc problem and a hip issue. Crazy as it sounds strengthening your core will support your lower back , pelvis and hip area and you are less likely to have hamstring issues.

I do pilates each week and I am now pain free, standing up straight and walking taller.

I know someone who does Pilates on a 1 to 1 level they could probably advise you on where to strengthen up and stretch out.

She also deals with alot of GAA teams/Athletic clubs